See what can happen Gregg Popovich plays his best guys? OK, we’ll let that go now. Bottom line is
Tim Duncan and Spurs are still doing great things we figured they’d stop doing three years ago.
3 Heat 14-5 -2

Charles Barkley was right:
Dwyane Wade isn’t what he once was. But Wade’s doggone close, and whoever has
LeBron James on their side still has the best shot to come out of the East.

4 Grizzlies 14-4 -2

With good health, hard to envision Grizz finishing any lower than the fourth seed in the West. Remember when people ripped them for trading
Pau Gasol?
5 Knicks 15-5

Something is different about
Carmelo Anthony this season. He’s actually wearing the look of a potential NBA champion. Let’s just hope Amar’e Stoudemire doesn’t get in the way upon return.

6 Clippers 14-6 +1

Blake Griffin is better than ever, and that’s really saying something. When he and the Clippers are rolling, they’re as dangerous as anyone.
7 Warriors 14-7 +2

This may be the season Stephen Curry makes the All-Star team and the young Warriors get a taste of the playoffs.
8 Hawks 12-6

Larry Drew was supposed to be on the hot seat entering the season. Now, he’s a coach of the year possibility. Helps that
Josh Smith is playing like the Hawks always knew he could.

O.J. Mayo thriving in new home. Can we please just watch him play with
Dirk Nowitzki? Please? Mavs could be lethal once it happens.
16 Bucks 10-9 -1

Like most Scott Skiles-coached teams, doing just enough to stay in the playoff chase despite lacking a little in the depth department. Actually, the Bucks are staying in (and occasionally heading) the chase for the Central Division title.